Method of processsing a roll of exposed photographic film containing photographic images into corresponding digital images and then distributing visual prints produced from the digital images

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to a method of processing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image and distributing at least one visual print produced from the at least one digital image. The method includes the steps of storing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image on at least one image server at a first location. Selective authorized access to the at least one digital image of the at least one photographic image from a second location is then facilitated. Orders are received for at least one visual print of the at least one photographic image from the second location. Based upon the orders, at least one visual image is produced from the stored digital image at the first location in response to the at least one order.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/490,341, filedJan. 24,2000, entitled “A METHOD OF PROCESSING A ROLL OF EXPOSEDPHOTOGRAPHIC FILM CONTAINING PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES INTO CORRESPONDINGDIGITAL IMAGES AND THEN DISTRIBUTING VISUAL PRINTS PRODUCED FROM THEDIGITAL IMAGES” by Philip N. Garfinkle, Yaacov B. Yaacov and Elliot D.Jaffe, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/773,756, (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,157 to Garfinkle et al.).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a method of processing digital imagesof at least one photographic image and distributing visual printsproduced from the digital images. More particularly, this inventionrelates to a method of processing at least one digital image of at leastone photographic image and distributing visual prints in various formatscorresponding to the at least one digital image.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In a common photographic process, a series of photographic printsare taken with a camera and the exposed film is sent to a photographiclaboratory where the film is developed. In the developing process, theexposed film is transferred in darkness into a developing solution,which causes any affected grain of the latent image to be whollyconverted into silver. After a brief rinse in a stop bath of acid orwater to remove developer and to stop development, the film is fixed ina solution of sodium thiosulfate or in a more rapid fixing solution.These solutions dissolve and remove the unchanged silver salts, thusrendering the film insensitive to light. The film is then washed anddried. Each picture is now a transparent negative in which light partsof the object are represented by dark areas and dark parts by lightareas.

[0004] A large negative can be used to make a contact print, but smallnegatives are usually placed in an enlarger in which light from a lampthrows an enlarged and accurately focused image onto a piece of printingpaper that has been coated with an emulsion similar to that on the filmbut less sensitive to light. The paper is then developed and fixed toform a positive print. The developed photographic prints are thenprovided to the photographer.

[0005] Although the photographic process of developing and distributingphotographic prints has proven satisfactory, further improvements in thefield of processing and distributing photographic film are desired. Anobject of the present invention is to provide a method of processingdigital images of at least one photographic image and distributingvisual prints produced from the digital images. Yet another object ofthe present invention is to provide a method of processing digitalimages of at least one photographic image and distributing visual printsthrough the use of an interface such as an HTML interface, clientinterface, or received via a telephone operator or printed order. Stillanother object of the present invention is to provide a method ofprocessing digital images of at least one photographic image anddistributing visual prints that is economical and easily accessiblethrough a secure network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention is directed to a server having digital imagesstored thereon, one or more images of the digital images having a uniqueaccess code for selectively identifying the location of the server wherethe one or more of the images are stored, the server transmitting theone or more images to a remote computer at a remote location in responseto an order submitted by the remote computer over a communicationnetwork for viewing of the images, wherein the unique access code isused to identify the location of the server where the images are stored,the server and communication network providing for the viewing andordering of goods and/or services with respect to the one or more imagesduring access to the server.

[0007] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present inventionthere is provided a method for selectively receiving an order for adigital image over a communication network, comprising the steps ofstoring one or more digital images on a server, assigning a uniqueaccess code to the one or digital images for identifying the location ofthe server where the one or more digital images are stored, allowingselective access to the one or more digital images from a remotelocation to the server over a communication network using the uniqueaccess code for viewing of the one or more digital images andtransmitting of an order during access to the server and receiving theorder with respect to the one or more images over the communicationnetwork wherein the unique access code was used for accessing the one ormore images.

[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present inventionthere is provided a system for selectively transmitting digital imagesfrom one server over a communication network to a computer, comprising aserver where digital images are stored, one or more images of thedigital images having a unique access code; the unique access codeidentifying both the server where the one or more images are stored andthe one or more images; the server accepting at least one order from aremote computer with respect to the one or more images wherein theunique access code is utilized by the computer for locating the server,allowing selective access by the computer to the one or more images, andfor contemporaneously viewing and ordering of goods and/or services onthe computer over the communication network.

[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present inventionthere is provided a method of processing digital images stored in aserver and allowing selective distribution of the digital images over acommunication network, comprising the steps of providing at least oneserver wherein digital images are stored wherein a unique access code isassigned to one or more images of the digital images; facilitatingselective authorized access over the communication network to the one ormore digital images using the unique access code for locating the serveron which the one or more images are stored and providing thecontemporaneously viewing and ordering of goods and/or services over thecommunication network with respect to the one or more images andreceiving an order over the communication network with respect to atleast one of the digital images.

[0010] The at least one digital image of at least one photographic imagemay be acquired from exposed photographic film or from a digital camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Further features and other objects and advantages of thisinvention will become clear from the following detailed description madewith reference to the drawings in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the invention methodology ofprocessing digital images of at least one photographic image anddistributing visual prints produced from the digital images;

[0013]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a Developer and Scanning Center;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a schematic of the upload interface A between thescanning center and the image server of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIGS. 3A-3B are a schematic of the processing of images in theupload interface A;

[0016] FIGS. 4 is a schematic of the upload interface A from thephotographer to the image server;

[0017] FIGS. 5-5F are a schematic of the Interface B;

[0018]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a Fulfillment Center;

[0019]FIG. 7-7A is a schematic of the Administrative Interface C;

[0020]FIG. 8 is an illustration of an alternate Interface B between thePhotographer and the Image Server; and

[0021] FIGS. 9A-9C are representative illustrations of a Photographer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring to the drawing wherein like reference charactersrepresent like elements, the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7A is amethod 10 of processing digital images of at least one photographicimage and distributing visual prints in various formats corresponding tothe at least one digital image of the at least one photographic image.

[0023] Briefly, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the illustratedmethodology 10 is used in association with a conventional photographicprocess wherein an object(s) or subject(s) are posed in front of acamera and one or more pictures are taken of the object(s) or subject(s)by a photographer 8 utilizing the camera 9 a. The camera may be aconventional camera 9 a using photographic film or a digital camera of atype well known in the art.

[0024] When using photographic film, the exposed photographic film 9 bis then sent to a developer 12, e.g., a photographic laboratory, wherethe photographic film is developed in the traditional manner as wellknown in the photographic industry, see FIG. 2. The developedphotographic film is then scanned at a scanning center 14 to acquire adigital image of the photographic image on the photographic film, seeFIG. 2 and stored on one or more image servers 16, see FIG. 9B. In analternate embodiment, a digital image from the digital camera of thephotographic image is uploaded directly to one or more image servers 16.

[0025] Selective authorized access to an image of the photographic imageis then provided through an interface B as further described herein.Orders for visual prints in various formats corresponding to thephotographic image are then received and fulfilled from a fulfillmentcenter 20, also as further described herein.

[0026] The establishment which receives the roll of film for developmentwill be referred to herein as the “developer” 12. The developer 12 mayonly act as an intermediary between the photographer 8 and the entitythat actually develops the roll of film or the developer may actuallydevelop the roll of film. As used herein, the “photographer” refers toany party having authorized access to the images and is not necessarilylimited to the party that took the pictures. The establishment whichscans the roll of film and sends (or uploads) it to the image server 16will be referred to herein as the “scanning center” 14. Theestablishment which fulfills, charges, and delivers the order will bereferred to herein as the “fulfillment center” 20. The developer 12and/or the scanning center 14 and/or the fulfillment center 20 can be atthe same physical location and may be the same entity.

[0027] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, inthe development process either a negative strip 9 c (cut or uncut) isgenerated and marked for digital processing or a series of developedphotographic prints is made at the photographic laboratory from the rollof film and sent to the scanning center 14. At the scanning center 14,the developed photographic prints and/or negative strips are thenconverted into digital images. The developed photographic prints and/ornegative strips are converted into digital images by a scanner 9 d of atype well known in the art. For example, digital images may be scannedfrom a negative strip on a negative scanner or from developedphotographic prints on a flatbed scanner.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, scanning occurs from the negativebefore the negative strip is cut. The negative is preferably scannedafter the photographic film is developed and before any photographicprints are created. In a most preferred embodiment, all photographicimages in the negative strip are scanned in a single pass by the scanner9 d . In an alternate embodiment, the negative strips are splicedtogether on a film reel 9 e in a manner well known in the photographicindustry, and the rolls are scanned automatically by a high-volumecommercially available scanner 9 d. Developed photographic prints may bescanned on a flatbed scanner (a typical set of prints from a roll can bescanned in about 10-20 minutes). Regardless of the method used toacquire the digital image, the preferred minimum size for the resultingimage is 1024×1536 pixels with 24-bit color. It will be appreciated thatcolor and exposure correction of the digital image may be performedafter scanning using techniques well known in the art.

[0029] In an alternate embodiment, the digital images may be acquiredthrough the photographer 8 by scanning or acquired directly from adigital camera of a type well known in the art.

[0030] The acquired digital images are then transferred electronicallyto one or more machines at a first location, e.g., computers, forstorage as well know in the art. (See e.g., 3 a, FIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 1, the digital images may be transferred by the photographer 8and/or the scanning center 14 through an upload interface A.

[0031] A machine useful for storing the digital images will be referredto herein as an “image server”. In a preferred embodiment, the digitalimages are stored at a first location on one or more images servers 16from which images are accessible by the photographer 8 through the useof an interface B. In a most preferred embodiment, each digital image isscanned in JPEG format and stored in a computer database on one or moreimage servers 16. For example, the individual digital images may bestored in a single directory on each image server 16, with databaseentries identifying the location of the digital images and any relatedinformation. Since the digital images may be stored on numerous imageservers 16 as desired, a unique access code is provided thatincorporates an identifier which identifies the location of the imageserver 16 where the digital images are stored. (See e.g., 3 d, FIG. 3).In a preferred embodiment, the access code includes a prefix whichidentifies the digital images of interest and the particular imageserver 16 storing the digital images. (See e.g., 3 c and 3 d, FIG. 3 and5 c, FIG. 5). The access code may be selected by the scanner operatorfor each roll of film, based upon a desired set of criteria. For batchscanning of rolls of film, the access code may be selected based upon apre-assigned number for the batch and a bar code associated with theroll of film which is automatically detected by the scanner during thescanning process.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the digital images and associatedinformation are stored in a single directory on a local machine of thephotographer 8 or at the scanning center 14. An operator at the scanningcenter or the photographer 8 uses the upload interface A to transfer thedata (all images and associated information) to the image server 16,where it is stored in a directory on the image server. In a preferredembodiment, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) is used to verify thequality and orientation of the digital images before sending them to theimage server 16. (See e.g., 3 b, FIG. 3). The digital image andinformation are then processed at the image server 16 and incorporatedinto the image server database. (See e.g., 3 f, FIG. 3).

[0033] It will be appreciated that this design allows for communicationbetween the scanning center 14 or photographer 8 and the image server 16to be interrupted at any time without causing a failure, since thedigital images are not processed until the entire roll is stored at theimage server. A partially uploaded roll of film may be deleted or theuploaded digital image re-used (if they are the correct size and have anidentical checksum as the corresponding images at the scanning center14).

[0034] In a most preferred embodiment, the image server 16 is at thesame physical location as the scanning center 14, which allows a localnetwork between the local machine and the image server to transferimages in an efficient manner via the upload interface A.

[0035] Preferably, the image server 16 stores the digital images in acommercially available database on a RAID disk partition to guardagainst disk failures, and the server data is archived on an archivalmedium (such as an 8 mm. tape drive) at regular intervals to guardagainst catastrophic failures.

[0036] Selective authorized access to an image of the developed film isthen provided through the use of the interface B.

[0037] As previously described, a unique access code is associated withthe digital images to facilitate secure viewing of the images from aseparate second location through the use of the interface B. In additionto the access code, a name, phone number, e-mail address, store location(where the film was received), scanning location (where the digitalimages were created), current date and time, and other desiredinformation may be assigned and/or collected for each roll of film. Thisinformation is transferred to the image server 16 through the uploadinterface A along with the digital images. (See e.g., 3 e, FIG. 3).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, an access code is associated with eachroll of film (9 b), and the digital images are accessed at the imageserver 16 through the use of the interface B by HyperText MarkupLanguage (HTML) pages on the WWW (World Wide Web) or a client interfaceaccessing an image server using a proprietary protocol over a computernetwork such as the Internet. Examples of a client interface include aplug-in module for the well-known Adobe PhotoShop or a stand-aloneimaging application specially designed for this purpose.

[0039] In a most preferred embodiment, the photographer 8 accesses HTMLpages from a WWW browser using either the Secure HyperText TransportProtocol (HTTPS) or HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) to access aNetscape Enterprise Server running on an Axil 320 Sparc acting as theimage server. The Netscape server is configured with an HTML formsinterface which accepts the unique access code and provides access tothumbnails (small replicas of the full digital image) of the images inthe roll in the form of an online proof sheet. The interface B allowsthe photographer 8 to perform specific tasks using the digital images,such as the ability to electronically mail (e-mail) an image to anotherparty; download an image to the photographer's home computer 9 f, seeFIG. 9C; or order a visual print of a specific image in a variety offormats and sizes, such as photographic prints or enlargements ofphotographic prints, and photographic merchandise including T-shirts,sweatshirts, mugs, mouse pads, puzzles, ties, buttons, electronic slideshows, and other items bearing the digital image.

[0040] It will be appreciated that when downloading or e-mailing adigital image, the resolution of the digital image is preferably reducedto a screen size of 600×400 pixels or 712×512 pixels. These sizes aremore appropriate for screen display of the digital images, and allowfaster transfer of the data over a network.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the image server 16 is connected tothe Internet to allow the processed digital images to be accessed fromremote locations (second location) different from and independent ofwhere the film is developed (first location). The digital images for aroll of film are maintained at the image server 16 for a fixed period oftime (such as 30 days), after which they are marked as deleted and aftera short grace period (such as 5 days), removed from the image server tofree up disk space for other images. The grace period allows forfulfillment of orders which occur after a roll is marked deleted to behandled from the image server 16, since the roll is still on the imageserver (avoiding the need to reference a backup copy of the roll). Inthis embodiment, multiple RAID partitions are preferably used so thatthe image server 16 can continue to process new rolls of film when onepartition is unavailable due to service or backup procedures as wellknown in the art. While a number of solutions exist for storing thedigital image files for a particular roll in the RAID partitions, theprocess described below satisfies several important performanceconsiderations, and is currently preferred. This process selects adirectory on the image server 16 for storage of the digital images, andassumes that this location is stored along with the related rollinformation (e.g., access code, name etc.) in a database (with theaccess code serving as the primary index). The process for choosing adirectory is as follows:

[0042] a) A directory called RAID is used, under which a directoryexists for each file system partition (such as aux1, aux2, etc. up to365 maximum partitions). Partitions are large enough to store a largenumber of rolls (generally 12-15 Megabytes per roll) but small enough tobe backed up to a single tape (with 8 mm. tapes, roughly 7 Gigabytes perpartition). (See e.g., 3 g and 3 k, FIG. 3). A partition directory ischosen by taking the number of partitions modulo the day of the year.

[0043] b) The preferred Axil machine runs the Solaris operating system(a version of UNIX) and can be configured to run multiple image servers(by responding to multiple IP addresses, such as www. Photonet.com,wolf.photonet.com, etc.). To allow for this situation, each partitiondirectory contains a subdirectory for each such site (for example, www,wolf, etc.). (See e.g., 3 j, FIG. 3). This allows multiple sites toshare a single RAID directory tree.

[0044] c) If the site directory has a file called “FULL” in it, then thepartition is considered unavailable and is not used. (See e.g., 3 l,FIG. 3). If a FULL directory is encountered, then the next numeric RAIDpartition is used instead (wrapping back to the first directory, ifnecessary). (See e.g., 3 o, FIG. 3). If all directories are full, thenthe roll processing fails and the roll is not stored in the database oravailable to the photographer. (See e.g., 3 n, FIG. 3).

[0045] d) Under the site directory are a number of directories (such as“1,” “2,”, etc. up to 365 maximum directories). (See e.g., 3 h, FIG. 3).This number must be relatively prime with respect to the number of RAIDpartitions available. (That is, the divisors of one number cannot bedivisors of the other. The easiest way to accomplish this is if bothnumbers are prime.) (See e.g., 3 i, FIG. 3). The image server takes thenumber of directories modulo the day of the year to determine whichnumeric directory to use. Determining directories based on the day ofthe year ensures that rolls of film processed on the same day willgenerally appear in the same directory. (See e.g., 3 m, FIG. 3).

[0046] e) Each numeric directory can store up to 255 rolls of film sincethe UNIX file system is most efficient with no more than 255 files in adirectory. (See e.g., 3 p, FIG. 3). If a numeric directory is full, thenext numeric directory is used (wrapping back to “1” if necessary). Ifall numeric directories are full, the next numeric partition directoryis used, as in step C above. (See e.g., 3 u, FIG. 3).

[0047] f) A directory with a name identical to the roll's access code iscreated under the calculated numeric directory. (See e.g., 3 q, FIG. 3).Each image in the roll is stored as a separate file in this directory.(See e.g., 3 r, FIG. 3).

[0048] Note that the foregoing procedure is only used to determine thelocation of the digital images. (See e.g., 3 s, FIG. 3). After thelocation has been determined, the database entry for the digital imagescontains the digital image's location. All future access to the digitalimages is performed via the database entry for the digital images.

[0049] As previously mentioned, the preferred HTML interface allows thephotographer to view thumbnails of digital images. The preferredthumbnail sizes are 16-bit true color images with resolutions of 50×34pixels, 64×43 pixels, 96×64 pixels, and 160×107 pixels. The thumbnaildigital images can be generated when the film is originally processed(the preferred method) or on-the-fly when the thumbnail digital imagesare requested by a photographer 8. In either case, the thumbnail digitalimages are cached at the image server 16 in a special directory reservedfor this purpose. (See e.g., 3 t, FIG. 3). Subsequent access to thethumbnail digital images may be obtained by retrieving them directlyfrom this cache. Thumbnail digital images in the cache can be deleted asrequired, and regenerated as needed.

[0050] In a most preferred interface, a photographer 8 accesses theimage server 16 from a remote second location in order to view an HTMLpage containing the thumbnail digital images. (See e.g., 5 a and 5 e,FIG. 5). If the photographer selects a particular thumbnail digitalimage, a larger version of that digital image is then displayed on a newHTML page. This later page also contains a procedure for allowing thephotographer 8 to view the next or previous digital image, performelectronic transactions with the digital image (such as downloading thedigital image to a local computer or e-mailing the digital image toanother party), or order visual prints of the digital images in avariety of formats and sizes. (See e.g., 5 f and 5 p FIG. 5).

[0051] The photographer 8 can request that a copy of a digital image bedownloaded (or sent) to a local remote machine from the image server 16.See e.g., 5 g and 5 q, FIG. 5). Preferably, the photographer 8 obtains ahigh-resolution copy of the digital image (e.g., 1024×1536 pixels) inorder to retain a high-quality digital image. The photographer 8 maygenerate a digital image of sufficient detail to order additionalformats of the image based on the new digital image.

[0052] The photographer 8 may also generate a new digital image based onthe original digital image. The new digital image may incorporatechanges or modifications over the original digital image such asmodifying the color or exposure attributes of the digital image, mergingdata from multiple digital images into a single new digital image, orother standard image generation techniques available in applicationssuch as Adobe PhotoShop and the like. The new digital image is then sentto the image server 16. (See e.g., 4 a, FIG. 4). If desired, the newdigital image may replace the original copy of the digital image at theimage server 16, be added to the set of digital images available underthe unique access code previously assigned, added under a new accesscode or added to a different preexisting access code. (See e.g., 4 b and4 d, FIG. 4). In any case, the new digital image may also be availableat the image server 16 and all interfaces B are available to thephotographer 8 to view this digital image.

[0053] The photographer 8 can use the interface B consisting of the HTMLinterface to step forward or backward through the digital images in theroll, and each digital image may be viewed, downloaded, e-mailed(electronically mailed), or special ordered as a visual print. (Seee.g., 5 d, FIG. 5). It will be understood that the HTML interface isutilized by the photographer 8 in the sales process to determine whichof the digital images (if any) the photographer would like to order as avisual print as well as the sizes, types, and number of visual prints tobe ordered. (See e.g., 5 j, FIG. 5)

[0054] As previously explained, the visual prints include photographicpaper prints or items incorporating the digital image such as mugs,T-shirts, or other items. When placing an order, the photographer 8 mayalso be aided by digital image replicas of the various products thatthey can choose to order. Selecting a product replica initiates anordering procedure for the selected product incorporating the selecteddigital image. Each image server 16 maintains a table of access codeprefixes and associated image servers, which is used to automaticallyforward requests for digital images to the appropriate image server.(See e.g., 5 b, FIG. 5). For HTML access to the image server 16,forwarding can be performed by returning a reference to an HTML pagelocated at the remote server (second location).

[0055] For client interface access to the image server 16, the clientcan determine the appropriate image server to contact by making a remoteprocedure call to the known server. (See e.g., 4 c, FIG. 4).Accordingly, a large number of geographically distributed image servers16 are able to manage any number of digital images for a large number ofgeographically distributed photographers 8.

[0056] In an alternate embodiment to the interface over a computernetwork, the interface B is presented as a physical representation ofthe image which is delivered through the normal postal service or thelike FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the photographer 8 requests that one ormore digital images be made available to a specified recipient. Therequested digital images are placed on an index print, which is a smallphysical representation of each digital image together on a single print(much like the proof sheet or set of thumbnails, but as a printedphotograph rather than on a computer screen). The index print 8 a isassigned a unique access code and each image in the print is marked witha different number.

[0057] The index print 8 a is then sent to the desired recipient 8 balong with instructions for ordering photographic merchandise based onthe delivered images. In a preferred embodiment, a toll-free number isprovided, which the recipient 8 b can immediately call 8 c and place anorder for a visual print based on any printed photograph in the indexprint. In an alternate embodiment, an order form can be included withindex print, which the recipient can fill out and return to place anorder 8 d. For the toll-free telephone number, the order may be placedwith a human operator or an automated response system 8 e of a typecommercially available. A human operator may utilize an interfacesimilar to the HTML interface previously described above. However, theoperator accesses the digital images on the server 16 using the uniqueaccess code provided by the caller. Otherwise, the types of screens,items to order and information collected are similar to the HTMLinterface previously described.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the image server 16 may receive rollsof film from a variety of developers 12, e.g., film developmentcompanies, portrait studios, development warehouses, individual camerashops and the like. These companies may desire to maintain control overthe products offered for their rolls (that is, rolls from theirphotographers which are scanned into digital images and uploaded to theimage server 16) and the prices of these products. Moreover, it will beappreciated that the larger development warehouses in turn servicenumerous drugstores, grocery stores, and other establishments, whichalso wish to maintain control of their offerings. The preferred methodfor supporting this functionality is to individually control eachinterface B by assigning each company an administrative account andpassword which is used while uploading a roll of film. Thisadministrative account has access to one or more price sheets at theimage server 16 uniquely associated with that account. Each price sheetis a table of products to offer and the prices for these products. Thescanning center 14 assigns a price sheet for each roll of film when thatroll is uploaded to the image server 16. The image server 16 uses thisprice sheet to display to the photographer 8 the products which may beordered from their images and the price of each product. (See e.g., 5 h,FIG. 5). This method allows the developer 12, e.g., original retailoutlet (such as a drugstore) that accepts the roll of film (which iseventually made available from the image server), to control theproducts and pricing seen by the photographer 8 in the HTML interface orother interface B at a remote second location. (See e.g., 5 i, FIG. 5).

[0059] When the photographer 8 uploads one or more digital imagesdirectly to the image server 16, these images are either added to a setof images already associated with an access code or the new images areassigned a new unique access code. When a new access code is assigned, aprice sheet must be associated with these images in order to provide tothe photographer 8 the visual prints which may be ordered using the newimages. In a preferred embodiment, the photographer 8 selects afulfillment center 20 which they prefer to use to fulfill all ordersplaced using the new images. A price sheet is associated with eachfulfillment center 20, and this price sheet forms the basis for theproducts available to the photographer 8, and the prices of theseproducts.

[0060] The fulfillment center 20 receives orders placed through theinterface, B, e.g., HTML interface, client interface, or received via atelephone operator or written order based on an index print aspreviously described. (See e.g., 5 o, FIG. 5 and 7 e, FIG. 7). Once anorder has been placed, regardless of the interface B employed, the orderis fulfilled and delivered. From the fulfillment center 20 perspective,an order off an index print is no different than an order received overany of the other interfaces B. The visual prints are generated from thestored digital image, and the order is delivered to a specified locationusing techniques well known in the art. (See e.g., 5 k, FIG. 5).

[0061] When an order is placed for a visual print, the photographer 8provides the appropriate billing and shipping information and thisinformation is stored on the image server 16. (See e.g., 5 l and 5 n,FIG. 5).In a preferred embodiment, the order may be charged to thephotographer's credit card and delivered by standard mail to thephotographer 8 at a specified address. (See e.g., 5 o, FIG. 5). In thiscase, shipping charges are usually assessed in addition to the productcharges. In an alternate embodiment, the order may be delivered to aretail outlet, e.g., developer 12, and picked up by the photographer 8.(See e.g., 5 m, FIG. 5). In this case, the photographer 8 may use anymethod of payment accepted by the retail outlet, the credit card numberof the party placing the order is preferably obtained by the imageserver 16 as a guarantee for the order.

[0062] In a most preferred embodiment, the image server 16 also providesan HTML-based administrative interface C which is accessible by thedeveloper 12, the scanning center 14, the fulfillment center 20, andother appropriate parties. The interface C is accessed using an accountand password unique to the party, and the capabilites a particularaccount can perform is limited by an access control list in a mannerwell known in the art. (See e.g., 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, FIG. 7). Availablecapabilities include, but are not limited to, the ability to upload newrolls to the image server 16; view, edit, or delete rolls of film (thatis, the images and information associated with the roll); view or editcharges associated with a roll of film; create or edit price sheets;view, edit, or fulfill orders; generate and print activity reports basedon various criteria; and view or edit system administrators for theimage server. (See e.g., 7 d, FIG. 7). It will be appreciated that theindividual capabilities may also be split between multiple interfaces.In order to support these capabilites, the image server 16 maintainsmultiple databases containing roll, user, price sheet and otheradministrative information, as well as tracking usage data for allactivities performed on the image server. (See e.g., 7 f and 7 i, FIG.7). In addition, the image server 16 also maintains a disbursement sheetassociated with each price sheet. (See e.g., 7 g, FIG. 7). Thedisbursement sheet identifies how any profits obtained from the ordersare shared between the developer 12, the scanning center 14, thefulfillment center 20, and any other party. (See e.g., 7 h, FIG. 7). Thepreferred method for these disbursements are as a percentage of the netmargins. Furthermore, the disbursements for a particular party may befurther disbursed to additional parties. For example, a party maysponsor a promotion for the sale of a visual print such as mugs inexchange for 10% of the fulfillment center's share of profits.

[0063] The creation of the visual prints from the digital image isperformed using standard equipment available in the industry. In apreferred embodiment, a film recorder 6, see FIG. 6 such as an Opalrecorder from Management Graphic, Inc. is used to generate aphotographic negative 6 b from the digital image. The negative is thenused to generate a visual print 6 c which is identical to the digitalimage on the appropriate merchandise. In an alternate embodiment, acathode ray tube printer 6 d such as those available from Konica USA orBremson, Inc. creates the visual prints on photographic paper directlyfrom the digital image. It will be appreciated that this avoids the costof creating a negative, while still preserving the quality of aphotographic print. For non-paper items such as mugs 6 f or T-shirts 6g, the visual print 6 c can be printed directly from the digital image,and adhered to an item using a heat transfer system 6 e of a type wellknown in the art. In yet another embodiment, an alternate photographicprinting method can be used, such as the Pictography 3000 systemavailable from FujiFilm.

[0064] The patent applications, patents and documents referred to hereinare hereby incorporated by reference.

[0065] It is to be understood that various other modifications andchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The present invention being limited by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A server having digital images stored thereon,one or more images of said digital images having a unique access codefor selectively identifying the location of said server where said oneor more of said images are stored, said server transmitting said one ormore images to a remote computer at a remote location in response to anorder submitted by said remote computer over a communication network forviewing of said images, wherein said unique access code is used toidentify the location of said server where said images are stored, saidserver and communication network providing for the viewing and orderingof goods and/or services with respect to said one or more images duringaccess to said server.
 2. A server according to claim 1 wherein saidserver and communication network also provides for the manipulation orprinting said one or more images during access to said server
 3. Aserver according to claim 1 wherein said communication network comprisesthe Internet.
 4. A server according to claim 1 wherein said remotelocation comprises a client computer.
 5. A server according to claim 1wherein said unique access code also includes a prefix which identifiessaid server from a plurality of servers.
 6. A server according to claim1 where said one or more images are stored in a directory wherein eachof said one or more images are store as a file in said directory.
 7. Aserver according to claim 1 wherein said digital images were obtained byscanning a photographic media.
 8. A server according to claim 7 whereinsaid media comprises photographic film.
 9. A server according to claim 7wherein said media comprises photographic print.
 10. A server accordingto claim 1 wherein said digital images were obtained by a digitalcapture device.
 11. A method for selectively receiving an order for adigital image over a communication network, comprising the steps of: a.storing one or more digital images on a server; b. assigning a uniqueaccess code to said one or digital images for identifying the locationof said server where said one or more digital images are stored; c.allowing selective access to said one or more digital images from aremote location to said server over a communication network using saidunique access code for viewing of said one or more digital images andtransmitting of an order during access to said server; and d. receivingsaid order with respect to said one or more images over saidcommunication network wherein said unique access code was used foraccessing said one or more images.
 12. A method according to claim 11wherein said order comprises the printing of said one or more images 13.A method according to claim 13 wherein said one or more images areobtained from scanning a media.
 14. A method according to claim 13wherein said media comprises developed photographic film.
 15. A methodaccording to claim 11 wherein said one or more images are obtained froma client computer over said communication network.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 15 wherein a third party is provided with said uniqueaccess code for allowing selective access to said one or more images bysaid third party.
 17. A system for selectively transmitting digitalimages from one server over a communication network to a computer,comprising: a server where digital images are stored, one or more imagesof said digital images having a unique access code; said unique accesscode identifying both said server where said one or more images arestored and said one or more images; said server accepting at least oneorder from a remote computer with respect to said one or more imageswherein said unique access code is utilized by said computer forlocating said server, allowing selective access by said computer to saidone or more images, and for contemporaneously viewing and ordering ofgoods and/or services on said computer over said communication network.18. A system according to claim 17 further comprising a fulfillmentcenter for providing at least one good or service with respect to saidone or more images in response to said order.
 19. A system according toclaim 17 wherein said server and communication network also provides forthe manipulation or printing said one or more images during access tosaid server
 20. A system according to claim 17 wherein saidcommunication network comprises the Internet.
 21. A system according toclaim 17 wherein said remote location comprises a client computer.
 22. Asystem according to claim 17 wherein said unique access code alsoincludes a prefix which identifies said server from a plurality ofservers.
 23. A system according to claim 17 where said one or moreimages are stored in a directory wherein each of said one or more imagesare store as a file in said directory.
 24. A system according to claim17 wherein said digital images were obtained by scanning a photographicmedia.
 25. A system according to claim 24 wherein said media comprisesphotographic film.
 26. A system according to claim 24 wherein said mediacomprises photographic print.
 27. A system according to claim 17 whereinsaid digital images were obtained by a digital capture device.
 28. Amethod of processing digital images stored in a server and allowingselective distribution of the digital images over a communicationnetwork, comprising the steps of: a. providing at least one serverwherein digital images are stored wherein a unique access code isassigned to one or more images of said digital images; b. facilitatingselective authorized access over said communication network to said oneor more digital images using said unique access code for locating saidserver on which said one or more images are stored and providing thecontemporaneously viewing and ordering of goods and/or services oversaid communication network with respect to said one or more images; andc. receiving an order over said communication network with respect to atleast one of said digital images.
 29. A method according to claim 28wherein said order comprises printing said at least one images.
 30. Amethod according to claim 28 wherein said one or more images areobtained from scanning a media.
 31. A method according to claim 30wherein said media comprises developed photographic film.
 32. A methodaccording to claim 28 wherein said one or more images are obtained froma client computer over said communication network.
 33. A methodaccording to claim 32 wherein a third party is provided with said uniqueaccess code for allowing selective access to said one or more images bysaid third party.